

It is very helpful to determine the trigger of the vision changes and/or headaches. The PCP might also refer to a neurologist, who specializes in the brain and migraines, for brain imaging. While over-the-counter pain medicine helps for some people, others need prescription medicine to prevent the onset of migraines. Once those conditions are ruled out, the primary care physician (PCP) might recommend medication to help with associated headaches. Vision loss can be related to something more dangerous, such as a retinal detachment or retinal stroke. Call your eye doctor immediately with loss of vision, new floaters or flashing lights. The first time a person experiences an ocular migraine or migraine aura, it can be alarming. Treatment & Prevention of Ocular Migraine & Migraine Aura – Strong smells: smoke, perfume, chemicals – Drinks: red wine, caffeinated beverages – Foods: chocolate, aged cheeses, artificial sweeteners – Bright or flashing lights, fluorescent lighting The following list includes the most common triggers of ocular migraine and migraine aura: The specific cause of ocular migraine and migraine aura usually varies on an individual basis. This can contribute to vision loss associated with ocular migraines and trigger pain in the head, leading to the actual migraine headache aspect. Spasming blood vessels alter the blood flow to particular areas of the brain and retina. All of the vision changes are temporary and should dissipate in 20 to 30 minutes However, the headache can last much longer.Ĭauses of Ocular Migraine & Migraine Aura Other people have all the vision symptoms, but never get the associated headache. Vision starts changing and there might be a couple minutes to hours until a migraine headache occurs. Some people experience migraine aura as a warning sign of an impending headache. – Shapes and colors (like looking through a kaleidoscope) The most commonly described auras include: It can start in one spot and migrate across vision or completely move to another location altogether. There are many different descriptions of what people see with an aura. Rather than having vision loss, like an ocular migraine, the visual changes are more of a hallucination. The visual symptoms associated with migraine aura are bilateral, or in both eyes. Ocular migraines as less common than migraine aura, however, many people use the term “ocular migraine” to actually describe migraine aura. The vision should fully return to normal within an hour. Vision loss associated with an ocular migraine is painless, however, a severe headache or migraine may occur after the visual symptoms are noticed. Similar to a typical migraine, there is decrease blood flow or spasms of the blood vessels supplying the retina. This blog will dive deeper into the connection between headaches, ocular migraines, and migraine auras.Īn ocular migraine is temporary vision loss in one eye. It is also possible to have visual symptoms, but no headache. Visual symptoms can be present before or during a migraine attack. For those who suffer from migraines, severe headaches can be a regular part of life. Nearly every person has experienced a headache at some point.
